slow-cooked pork lasagne

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2kg boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into thirds 
  • sea salt and cracked black pepper 
  • brown onion, finely chopped 
  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed 
  • 1 tablespoon plain (all-purpose) flour 
  • ¼ cup (55g) brown sugar 
  • ½ cup (125ml) malt vinegar 
  • ¼ cup thyme leaves, plus extra to serve 
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika 
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 
  • 2 cups (500ml) chicken stock 
  • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes 
  • 4 fresh bay leaves 
  • 3 cups (270g) grated provolone 
  • 2 cups (200g) grated mozzarella 
  •  200g fresh lasagne sheets 

bechamel sauce

  • 40g unsalted butter, chopped 
  • ¼ cup (35g) plain (all-purpose) flour 
  • 2 cups (500ml) milk 
  • 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Heat the oil in a large ovenproof heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the pork, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook for 5–6 minutes each side or until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside. 
  2. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 6–7 minutes or until lightly browned. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the sugar, vinegar, thyme, paprika and cayenne and stir well to combine. Add the stock, tomato, bay leaves and pork and bring to a simmer. Cover, place on an oven tray and cook in the oven for 2 hours 15 minutes or until very tender. 
  3. Remove the pork from the cooking liquid and, using 2 forks, shred the meat, discarding the fat. Skim the fat from the surface of the liquid and discard. Return the pork to the saucepan. To make the bechamel sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. 
  4. Add the flour and cook, whisking, for 1–2 minutes or until well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, whisking, for 1 minute or until just thickened. Remove from the heat and whisk in the mustard until combined. Set aside to cool slightly. 
  5. Place the provolone and mozzarella in a large bowl and mix to combine. Increase oven temperature to 200°C (400°F). Line the base of a lightly greased 27cm x 22cm (3.5-litre-capacity) ovenproof dish with 1 layer of lasagne sheets, trimming to fit. Top with half the pork mixture and 1 cup of the cheese mixture. 
  6. Repeat to make another layer, and finish with 1 layer of lasagne sheets, the bechamel sauce and remaining cheese. Place the dish on an oven tray and cook for 35–40 minutes or until golden and melted. Sprinkle with extra thyme. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serves 8–10

Photography: Anson Smart

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Reader ratings (0)
Ingrid Miceli

One of my all time favourites! I love everything about this dish and love making it when we have a large family/friends gathering. Perfect for any occasion! :0)

Bronwyn Fotheringham

Made this dish last weekend absolutely loved it. Going to be one of our regular recipes. If you like pulled pork you must try this

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